Zion National Park Camping Guide

Zion is the park where I fell in love with the National Park system 30+ years ago. 

Since then, I have camped at the Watchman and South Campgrounds countless times as I explored everything Zion has to offer. 

I have combined my personal experiences, along with my professional experience as a Park Ranger to write the Zion National Park Camping Guide to help you plan the perfect trip to Zion National Park.

Here are my top finds for Zion National Park:
🏨Lodging: Zion NP Lodge & Cabins (In the Park), Cable Mountain Lodge
📍Tours: Private Narrows Hike, Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon Guided Hike
🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip

Zion National Park Camping

Most visitors to Zion would agree that finding a place to park and get to the free shuttle bus into Zion Canyon can be the biggest hassle and time killer when visiting Zion. 

This is because Zion has seen unprecedented growth in visitation which can make it difficult to find parking. 

To give you an idea, in 1973, Zion had 993,800 park visitors, and 50 years later in 2023, Zion National Park had over 5 Million Visitors! 

Knowing this, the best way to avoid parking issues is by either staying at the Zion National Park Lodge or going camping at the Watchman or South Campgrounds as you can simply park your vehicle in your campsite and utilize the free shuttle bus whenever you want.

The only time you will need to park your vehicle is after you enter the park's south entrance of the park in Springdale, Utah, and go park in your campsite which will be on the right side of the road just past the contact station. 

The campgrounds are located next to the Zion Canyon Visitor Center which is also the hub for the Free shuttle buses. 

 

Zion National Park Entrance Fee

New in 2026: Each Non-US Resident aged 16 and older visiting Zion National Park must pay a $100 nonresident fee (in addition to the standard entrance fee), unless admitted with an annual or America the Beautiful Pass. This includes nonresidents entering as part of a commercial tour group, commercial use authorization (CUA) group, or concessioner tour group.

Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.

Park Entrance Pass - $35.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $30.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Park Entrance Pass - Snowmobile - $20.00 Per Snowmobile (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

Per-Person Entrance Pass - $20.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

Annual Park Entrance Pass - $70.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.

$20.00 for Non-Commercial Group (16+ persons)

$70.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats

$80.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats

$190.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats

Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

National Park Free Entrance Days  -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.

Many of Zion National Park's day-use visitors end up parking in the town of Springdale and take the free shuttle up to the park's walk-in entrance. Lines in the summer can be an hour plus wait time just to get into the park.

You will then need to walk to the visitor center and catch the Zion Shuttle into Zion Canyon as vehicles are not allowed into the canyon.  This means that you can spend a lot of unnecessary time getting in the park just to get to one of Zion National Park Hikes.

  

Park Ranger John Pro Tip

I like to get an early start to go hiking, especially when going on a big hike. Some of Zion's hikes take you straight up the cliffs and some have elevation gains over 2000'.  You can choose for yourself if you want to get up early or fight the crowds and hike up 2000' when it's 95 degrees!

Early morning hikes often reward you with wildlife sightings and solitude in an otherwise busy park. How do you take an early morning hike? You camp and take one of the first shuttles into the canyon.

Make sure to check my guide on Hiking Zion as some trails require permits like The Subway and Angels Landing. 

I have told you all the positives of camping in Zion but I do want to give everyone some of the negatives of camping in Zion too. April-May could bring an unusual infestation of Tent Caterpillars. They will fall from the trees onto your tent, table, camper, car, and even you, and could make it uncomfortable for someone to sit outside.

July and August could also bring ants. Remember that you are not allowed to use any kind of insecticide at your campsite.

Be careful of the irrigation ditches in the campground as they could pose a tripping hazard.

Watchman Campground Map

Watchman Campground

The Watchman Campground is the most popular campground in Zion National Park. 

During the busy season, reservations are strongly recommended as the campground is full nearly every night during the reservation season.

The campground typically fills up every day between 9 am-Noon

Watchman Campground, Zion National Park has most of the amenities that one would expect in a front country campground. Several of the sites have shade from trees and are mostly sandy with native grasses.

I have had cell service in the campground area but that becomes scarce when you head into the Zion Canyon.

There are 176 campsites, 95 sites with electricity, 2 are ADA Accessible, and 6 group sites.

 

Campground Information

Season: Open Year-Round 

*Watchman Campground remains open all year, with reduced availability in winter. All sites in Watchman Campground require reservations. Generally, the D, E, and F Loops are closed in December, January, and February. 

Number of Sites: 176 regular sites, 2 wheelchair-accessible sites, and 7 group sites

Location in the park: Near the South Entrance to the park. 

Campground Address: 

1Zion Park Blvd. 

Springdale, UT.84767

Latitude/Longitude: 

• Latitude:
• 37.1986111
• 37° 11' 55.0000" N
• Longitude:
• -112.9863889
• 112° 59' 11.0000" W

Elevation: 3,900 Feet elevation

Accessible Sites:  

Sites A-24 and A-25 are reserved for ADA use. Watchman Campground has seven accessible sites and multiple other flat sites with easy access to six accessible restrooms. The road access route to the Visitor Center and Shuttle Stop has grades of up to 5% for 30-foot stretches but has trench drain covers across sections of the road with openings wider than 1 inch in certain locations. An alternate concrete and asphalt-paved pathway adjacent to the amphitheater through the river entrance plaza has slopes of up to 18% for 5-foot stretches and slopes up to 8% for 39-foot stretches. The amphitheater has accessible seating located on the top row.

Wheelchair Access - Pavement in some sites is broken and can make wheelchair use difficult. Gravel pathways to bathrooms. Fire grills are elevated, and picnic tables are extended. The asphalt trail leads to Watchman Amphitheater. Bathrooms are wheelchair accessible.

Pets Allowed:  Pets are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet.

Campground Amenities

Flush Toilets: Yes

Showers: No, THere are Hot showers just a short walk outside the park at Zion Outfitter

Payphone: No

Is Wi-Fi available? No, there is free WIFI available at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center

Is Cellular Phone Service Available? Yes

Is the camp host available on-site? Yes, Year-round 

Is firewood available for purchase? No 

You may purchase firewood  in Springdale, Utah, one half-mile away

No fires are permitted when Fire Restrictions are in place.

Amenities at each campsite:

Fire rings/fire pits in the site? Yes

Picnic Table in the site? Yes

Bear Box/Food Storage Locker in site/area? No

Potable Water? yes

RV Camping at the Watchman Campground

RV Length: 40 feet 

*Sites are a variety of sizes. Length limits for each site are provided in the site details on recreation.gov.

The group campsites are tent-only. RVs, camping trailers, and pop-up campers are not permitted

Dump Station: A dump station with potable water is available at the entrance to the campground.

Generators: Generators are NOT allowed in the campground.

Hookups: There are no full hookups Available in Zion

Electric hookups are all 30 amp, with only a handful of sites that supply 50 amp

The maximum site length is 50' although the average is more like 35'

There are very few pull-through sites and I would not count on one.

A trailer dump is available.

The maximum stay is 14 days from March- November, 30 Nights for the rest of the year.

Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table

There is drinking water, and flush toilets available but no showers. There are showers nearby in the town of Springdale.

Pets are allowed but have to be on a leash no longer than 6' in length.

Quiet Hours are 10 pm - 8 am

Checkout time is 11:00 am

There is a maximum of 6 people, 3 tents and 2 vehicles per campsite.

See our entire post on the Watchman Campground for individual site photos, campground photos, info, and more. 

South Campground Map Zion

 

South Campground Zion

South Campground, Zion National Park has many amenities that one would expect in a front country campground. Several of the sites have shade from trees and are mostly sandy with native grasses. I have had cell service in the campground area but that becomes scarce when you head into the Zion Canyon.

The South Campground is just as popular as the Watchman Campground and it typically fills up every day between 9 am-Noon. 

 

Campground Information

Season: South Campground is open from approximately March 1st to the Monday after Thanksgiving in November. 

Number of Sites: 117 campsites

Latitude/Longitude: 

• Latitude:
• 37.2016667
• 37° 12' 6.0001" N
• Longitude:
• -112.9855556
• 112° 59' 8.0002" W

Elevation:  4000 Feet elevation

Accessible Sites:  Yes, sites 114 and 115

South Campground has three flat sites, but no accessible facilities such as restrooms or trails.

Campers staying in South Campground can travel .3 miles to the Watchman Campground to utilize accessible restrooms if necessary. (from the NPS)

Pets Allowed:   Yes, Pets must be on a leash at all times no longer than six feet in length.

South Campground Amenities

Flush Toilets: Yes

Payphone: No

Is Wi-Fi available? No

Is Cellular Phone Service Available? No

Is the camp host available on-site? Yes

Is firewood available for purchase? Yes, You can buy firewood in town 

 Wood gathering is prohibited in the park

 

Amenities at each campsite:

Fire ring in the site? Yes

Picnic Table on the site? Yes

Bear Box/ Food Storage Locker available? No

Potable Water? Yes

 

RV Camping at the South Campground

RV Length: 

Shaded/tree sites can only accommodate vehicles with a maximum height of 12 feet 6 inches (3.84 meters).

Dump Station: A dump station with potable water is available at the entrance to the campground.

Generators: 8:00 am to 10:00 am and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Hookups: There are no hookups in this campground

Campground typically fills up every day between 9 am-Noon

There is no WIFI in the campground but is available in the visitor center.

There is no firewood for purchase in the park. Firewood is available just outside the park at the Happy Camper Market.

There is a trailer dump available.

There is an entrance fee to drive into the park on top of the camping fee. The good news is that if you are camping in the South Campground, you will receive a 50% discount on your tent site if you have the Interagency Park Pass

There is a trailer dump available.

There is an entrance fee to drive into the park on top of the camping fee. The good news is that if you are camping in the South Campground, you will receive a 50% discount on your tent site if you have the Interagency Park Pass

There are no utility campsites and generators are allowed between the hours of 8a-10a, 6p-8p

The maximum stay is 14 days.

Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table

There is drinking water, flush toilets available but no showers. There are showers nearby in the town of Springdale.

Pets are allowed but have to be on a leash no longer than 6' in length and can only be in certain areas of the park. One of the cool things about staying in the South campground with pets is that you can access the Pa'Rus Trail right next to the campground with your pet.

Quiet Hours are 10p-8a

Checkout time is 11:00 am

There is a maximum of 6 people, 3 tents and 2 vehicles per campsite.

Check out our full article on the South Campground Zion NP for individual site photos, descriptions, and more. 

Zion National Park Shuttle Route Map

Lava Point Campground Zion

The Lava Point Campground, Zion National Park is a primitive campground off the beaten path and perfect for those who want to find solitude. Road conditions on Kolob Terrace Road can change rapidly.

Turn North in the town of Virgin and travel 25 miles, 45 minutes to get to the campground.

GPS Coordinates: 37.3839'N 113.0329'W

Elevation: 7980'

Open May-September depending on weather

There are 6 primitive campsites, 19' maximum length

There is no drinking water, vault toilets, no showers.

Best Zion National Park Tours & Adventures

Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon Guided Hike (Small Group)
⭐️ Rating: 5.0 out of 5 Stars (788+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 to 3 hours | 🏜️🥾 Check Rates and Availability

One of the most popular and best-reviewed slot canyon experiences in the greater Zion area, this small-group guided hike with Coral Cliffs Tours takes groups of 10 or fewer into the stunning Peek-a-Boo Slot Canyon near Kanab, Utah. Guides consistentaly earn extraordinary reviews across hundreds of trips for their geological knowledge, photography tips, and ability to make every guest feel at ease on the deep-sand Jeep ride in. The 8 AM tour is particularly popular for getting the canyon entirely to yourselves and catching the best morning light for photos. A genuinely easy hike on relatively flat terrain, making it suitable for families with young children and guests of all fitness levels. Bottled water is provided. Recommended by 99% of travelers.

East Zion Crimson Canyon Hike & UTV Adventure
⭐️ Rating: 5.0 out of 5 Stars (1,152+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours | 🚙🏜️ Check Rates and Availability

A Badge of Excellence holder booked multiple times daily, this crowd-free slot canyon adventure from East Zion Adventures takes small groups of just 5 guests into Crimson Canyon via a custom off-road UTV, accessing a private area that most Zion visitors never know exists. Once at the canyon mouth, the hike begins through towering sandstone walls that stretch over 100 feet high with a gap of just 6 to 10 feet between them. Your guide assists you over boulder sections reaching 8 to 10 feet, pointing out ancient Native American writings along the route and explaining the geological forces that carved the canyon over millions of years. Reviewers consistently describe it as one of the most jaw-dropping and underrated experiences in all of southern Utah.

Zion National Park Angels Landing Guided Hike with Permit
⭐️ Rating: 5.0 out of 5 Stars (30+ reviews) | ⏳ Tour Length: Half day | 🥾⛰️ Check Rates and Availability

Angels Landing is one of the most famous and thrilling hikes in all of America, and since 2022 it requires a permit that is notoriously difficult to secure. This guided experience with Land Beyond Zion handles the permit for you, eliminating the stress and uncertainty of the lottery system entirely. Guides Camila and June earn outstanding reviews for their knowledge of hand and foot placements on the iconic chain sections, their ability to keep guests calm on the exposure-heavy final push to the summit, and the incredible views they help visitors soak in at the top. A genuine bucket-list hike with a guide who makes it accessible and safe. Free cancellation included. Highly recommended for solo travelers and first-timers tackling the chains for the first time.

Make sure to click here for additional tours in Zion National Park.

Camping Near Zion National Park

The closest RV campground to the South Entrance is Zion Canyon Campground and the closest RV Campground to the East Entrance is the Zion Crest Campground. Both campgrounds offer full Hook-ups. 

Lodging Options inside Zion National Park

⭐️ 4.5 of 5 Stars - Zion Lodge & Cabins - Click here for Rates and Availability.

The only lodging inside Zion National Park, nestled among towering cottonwoods at the heart of Zion Canyon with Angels Landing, the Emerald Pools, and the Narrows all just steps from your door!

Choose from hotel-style rooms, cozy Western cabins with gas log fireplaces and private porches, or spacious suites with wet bars and sitting rooms, all featuring private balconies with jaw-dropping canyon wall views. The Red Rock Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with spectacular canyon views, and the on-site cafe is perfect for a pre-hike coffee and pastry. Free WiFi, free parking, gift shop, 24-hour front desk, and the Zion shuttle stops right at the lodge entrance so you can skip the crowds and hit the trails early. Open year-round, book up to 13 months in advance!

Make sure you read my full review on the Zion Lodge and Zion Cabins!

Lodging in Springdale, Just out of the park's Entrance

National Park Lodges often sell out months in advance but there are several lodging options near Zion National Park in Springdale, Utah.

⭐️ 4.8 of 5 Stars - Desert Pearl Inn - Click here for Rates and Availability.

A family-owned award-winning boutique inn right on the banks of the Virgin River, with every single room featuring a private balcony or terrace overlooking the river and Zion's soaring red rock cliffs!

The 73 spacious rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, kitchenettes, premium pillowtop beds, and sofa beds for families, all crafted from reclaimed Douglas fir and native stone. After the hike soak away sore muscles in the heated outdoor pool or hot tub beside a soothing rock waterfall, then grab an e-bike and explore Springdale. The Zion shuttle stops right at the front entrance. Free WiFi, free parking, full-service spa, laundry, and concierge. Pet friendly and open year-round!

⭐️ 4.9 of 5 Stars - Cable Mountain Lodge - Click here for Rates and Availability.

Zion's highest-rated independent lodge, perched steps from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center with direct canyon views from the lobby and a seasonal heated outdoor pool and hot tub overlooking the red rock cliffs!

Studios and suites feature satellite TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, rainfall showerheads, and deep-soaking bathtubs, with full kitchen suites available for extended stays and families. Amenities include a full-service spa, yoga classes, bike rentals, an area shuttle, convenience store, gift shop, BBQ area, business center, EV charging, free WiFi, and free parking. Open year-round!

Click here or on the map below to see additional hotels and vacation rentals near Zion National Park

Additional State Parks and Tribal Parks Near Zion National Park

Zion National Park Resources 

• Zion National Park Guide- Your complete guide to exploring Zion National Park 
• Things To Do Zion National Park- List of things to do at Zion National Park including horseback riding, ranger programs, and exploring the town of Springdale! 
• Zion Hikes- The ultimate hiking guide to plan your trip to Zion! Get Trail information, photos, and trail descriptions directly from a park ranger who has spent countless hours hiking this incredible park! 
• Zion Shuttle Guide- Learn when the shuttles are running and how to use them to plan your trip to Zion
• Zion Narrows planning guide- The ultimate guide to plan your hiking adventure to the Zion Narrows. Includes both day hikes and top-to-bottom overnight hikes. 
• Emerald Pools Trail Guide- Plan your trip to one of Zion's most iconic trails! 
• Free Entrance Days  -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually. 

State Parks & Tribal Parks near Zion

• Valley of Fire State Park (Nevada)- an incredible park with great trails and jaw-dropping scenery between Las Vegas and Zion! 
• Upper Antelope Canyon- The slot canyon that every photographer on the planet desires to photograph! 
• Monument Valley- The most iconic scenery of the American Southwest and the location of countless Western movies.
• Valley of the Gods- This is a park where you can spend as little as a couple hours and complete the 17-mile scenic drive and truly get an appreciation of the area. 
• Goosenecks State Park (Utah)- amazing views of the San Juan River twisting and turning causing epic goosenecks in the canyon 1,000 feet below.
• Goblin Valley State Park (Utah)- is best known for its goblin-like geologic features that can be easily seen. 

National Parks near Zion National Park

• Pipe Springs National Monument - learn about the Mormon War! 
• Lake Mead National Recreation Area- Explore all the recreational opportunities along Lake Mead and around Hoover Dam 
• Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument - If you are flying into Las Vegas on your way to Zion this is an easy park to visit on the way. 
• Bryce Canyon National Park- No matter if you see Bryce in the summer or snow, at sunrise or the middle of the day, its breathtaking scenery and hoodoos will leave you inspired and awestruck! 
• Cedar Breaks National Monument-  Another gift from nature, the mini Bryce Canyon with sunsets that will dazzle your imagination! They have pretty epic fall colors too
• Grand Canyon National Park-  nicknamed "The Big Ditch" is something you just have to see to believe! Its wonders are hard to put into words,  photographs can only capture a small portion of its epicness! It truly is one of the seven wonders of the natural world! 
• Capitol Reef National Park- The least visited of the 5 National Parks in Utah is what I call one of the top hidden Gems in the National Park System! It has epic scenic drives, epic hikes, jaw-dropping scenery, and much more! 
• Arches National Park- A hikers and photographers paradise! Arches is home to over 2000 natural sandstone arches, many of which will blow your mind! 
• Canyonlands National Park- Canyonlands is broken down into 3 sections, each filled with the charm and rugged beauty of the American Southwest. It's easy to see some of the highlights but its real charm come to those who plan and prepare to go deep into the wilderness. 

Check out these other great Utah National Parks, Nevada National Parks, Idaho National Parks, Wyoming National Parks, Colorado National Parks, New Mexico National Parks, and Arizona National Parks. 

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